“It will happen once you stop trying.”

“It’s not as easy as being able to just stop trying. You can’t just stop trying to have a family. It’s much better to say something encouraging like, ‘How can I help you through this?’” — _HopefulMommy _

What to Say Back : "Really? I thought you _did _have to have sex to make a baby!"

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Thinkstock / The Bump

3

“You don’t look infertile!”

"Infertility strikes all types of people — it doesn’t discriminate based on physical appearances. The best thing people can do is ask how they can be supportive. The answer will be different for each person, but it’s nice to know someone is there for you.” — steveandkim2

What to Say Back : "Well _you _do." (Okay, we know you won't really say this. But admit it — you'll be thinking it!)

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Thinkstock / The Bump

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4

“It’s a sign that you and your husband wouldn’t make healthy babies together.”

“Instead of hurtful statements like this, I think the best kind of support comes from friends and family who remember when your treatments are and text you afterward to see if you want to talk. Sometimes I don’t want to talk about it, but it’s nice to know they’re there for me.” — AmyD583

What to Say Back : "That's a really horrible thing to say."

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Veer / The Bump

5

“Wouldn’t you rather just settle for being the cool aunt?”

“It’s important to remember that most of us are in a heightened state of awareness — we see babies and pregnant women everywhere _we turn. Add hormones to the mix, and it’s easy to get into troubled water if anyone says even the slightest thing wrong.” — _CheezeFace

What to Say Back : "I wouldn't call it 'settling,' but no, I actually want my own children."

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Thinkstock / The Bump

6

“Both of you should lose weight. Then you’ll get pregnant for sure.”

“That one hurt! I think it’s best to not say anything at all and just lend a listening ear.” — abvernon

What to Say Back : "We're trying...in the bedroom, that is!"

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Thinkstock / The Bump

7

“Don’t worry; you’re young!”

“I wish that people would say, ‘It’s great that you want to start a family!’” — Jezebell26

What to Say Back : "Yeah, imagine how much harder it could be when I get older!"

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Veer / The Bump

8

“I tried for two weeks, and BAM, I got pregnant.”

“I’d love for people to not feel the need to tell me about how easy it was for them. It’s irrelevant.” — _Julie721 _

What to Say Back : "Well, we don't all have it that easy."

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Thinkstock / The Bump

9

“If you’re this stressed about TTC, you’ll never be able to handle the stress of being a mom.”

“Hugs are way better than this.” — mrshurley10

What to Say Back : "I'd love that kind of stress."

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Thinkstock / The Bump

10

“Do you pray?”

“I don’t mind if friends or family say they’re praying for me, but asking me if I pray made me very uncomfortable.” — katib77

What to Say Back : "Yes, but would you mind _also _praying for me?"

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Thinkstock / The Bump

11

“Just stop all those fancy treatments — it will happen naturally!”

“Instead, I really appreciate when people say things like ‘when _you are parents’ or ‘when you are pregnant.’ It offers hope.” — _BostonGayGal

What to Say Back : "It's _not _happening naturally."

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Thinkstock / The Bump

12

“Oh, your husband shoots blanks?”

“Um, not exactly. Thank you for your kind words about a very difficult situation! Luckily, I have a great support system. One of my best friends has also struggled with IF, and we have an unspoken rule that we don’t ask about it unless the other brings it up. Some days you just don’t want to talk about it.” — KaliChick

What to Say Back : "Do you want to know how big it is, too?"

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Shutterstock / The Bump

13

“‘You’re so lucky you don’t have to deal with morning sickness or labor!”

“I don’t think _anyone _enjoys puking their brains out, but suggesting that I should be grateful that I don’t have to deal with those things is insensitive.” — _Mrs.Slick _

What to Say Back : "No one likes getting sick, but if that's what comes with pregnancy, sign me up!"